Reviews

Candide by Voltaire

elzax013's review against another edition

slow-paced

2.0

lduubs's review against another edition

dark funny reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

ticha_bugalho's review against another edition

3.0

 "Candide" by Voltaire is a satirical adventure that follows the protagonist through a series of misfortunes and fortunate events, reminiscent of the 1001 Nights or Emilio Salgari stories. Despite its straightforward narrative, the story delves into deep philosophical issues, particularly challenging Leibniz's theory of optimism. Voltaire's use of irony to critique social, religious, economic, and military aspects of his time is both sharp and thought-provoking. The book's ending offers a pessimistic view, suggesting humans shouldn't grapple with philosophical issues beyond our understanding. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read that left me pondering its raw and sarcastic message. 

is_it_chris's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

ellaroxanne's review against another edition

4.0

3.5 stars

blakinho's review against another edition

5.0

A great satire that is, firstly, hilarious, and secondly, a very good critique of the idea that we live in a perfectly purposeful world.

rosered_reading's review against another edition

adventurous funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

cleothebengal's review against another edition

4.0

I love Candide so much. Oh how I love Candide. He's a pansy, but that was kind of an important part of the plot, so that's okay.

So much happens in such a short book, and especially considering that this is French literature, one can really appreciate how concise Voltaire was.

I just keep re-reading this year after year, as there's always more to dig out from it. It really explores some of the commonly held beliefs of the time and ridicules those who share Candide's unrelenting optimism.

blind_lawyer's review against another edition

informative inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Very quick read, with a wonderful last chapter. The book is weird though.

megawhoppingcosmicbookwyrm's review against another edition

funny reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I love a bit of satire. Many parts of this book felt like a Monty Python skit or a Mel Brooks film. I’ve never been able to get behind the whole “everything is as it should be” way of thinking, and Voltaire does a really great job of skewering that philosophy in this very short read. The “tend your own garden” line at the end really stuck with me. I think it’s very important advice, especially in this time of social media oversaturation.